Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) · Timing Belt (inspect) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1991 325I - E30.
The 1991 BMW 325i is a passenger car built on the E30 platform, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission and EPA fuel-economy ratings of 15/17/15 mpg, with an engine oil capacity of 4.5 quarts in viscosities of 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 API SJ. In the reliability record, this model year is defined by 11 total owner complaints and 3 recalls, with air bags standing out as the top complaint area. That concentrated profile gives researchers a concrete, year-specific baseline of documented owner concerns and manufacturer actions.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11421707779. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421707779 |
| Engine air filter | 13721720861 |
| Fuel filter | 13321268231 |
| Spark plug | 12129061869 |
| Front wiper blades | 61611387678 |
| Serpentine belt | 11511711091 alt 32421706597 |
| Thermostat | 11531710953 alt 11531265084 |
| Cabin air filter | 64311394093 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Overall length | 175.6 in |
| Overall width | 65 in |
| Overall height | 53.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 101.2 in |
| Curb weight | 3056 lb |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 15 / 17 / 15 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.5 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3.6 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.5 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) · Timing Belt (inspect) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 1991 BMW 325I - E30 lead in one area — the air bags, 2 of 11 reports (18%), well ahead of the next concern. NHTSA has issued no recalls for this vehicle, so these are owner-reported concerns only. 3 of the reports describe a crash and 1 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the air bags pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 11 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
No recall campaigns on record with NHTSA for this vehicle as of the last data refresh.
Showing 5 of 10 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| SI B63 02 08 | 2008-05-01 | Exterior Lighting | REAR BULB FAILURE. MODEL E92 (3 SERIES COUPE) VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO JANUARY 21, 2008… |
| SI B11 13 07 | 2008-04-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N54 RATTLE NOISE FROM TURBOCHARGER AREA. MODELS E90, E92 AND E93 (3 SERIES) 335I AND… |
| SI B12 01 08 | 2008-01-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | N52 EDK THROTTLE JAMMING FAULTS 2D09, 2CED AND 2CEC. MODEL E90 AND E91 (3 SERIES) AND E60… |
| 120405 | 2006-03-01 | Engine And Engine Cooling | CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED AND/OR VEHICLE OVERHEATS. BMW E90 (3 SERIES) ALL E90 (3… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.5 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 15 city / 17 highway / 15 combined mpg.